The Little Bear fire, burning in steep, rocky, inaccessible terrain in the White Mountain Wilderness of the Lincoln National Forest near Ruidoso and Alto, caused the closure of State Highway 48 near Alto. The fire has consumed more than 10,000 acres, and damaged or destroyed more than 20 structures. Mark Wilson Photo

The Little Bear fire has damaged or destroyed at least 20 structures north of Ruidoso after breaking through containment lines Friday due to high winds. As of Saturday morning, the fire was estimated to be about 10,000 acres and was zero percent contained. The fire, caused by lightning, was first detected in the Lincoln National Forest on June 4.

According to a New Mexico State Forestry press release, fire suppression efforts have been difficult due to the “steep, rocky, inaccessible terrain in the White Mountain Wilderness of the Lincoln National Forest.”